I’m a writer of contemporary fiction. Originally from Salisbury, Wiltshire, I read Modern Languages (French and German) at Oxford before moving to London where I live with my husband and two teenage sons. My first novel Paris Mon Amour was released in June 2016 by digital publisher Canelo (UK, USA and Canada) and as an audio book from Audible (worldwide). It will be published in paperback under my own new Literary Sofa imprint on 22 May 2017 – find out more here.

I also like writing short fiction: one of my stories was published in the Rattle Tales 2 anthology and another in the Stories for Homes anthology in aid of Shelter, with further publications to follow this year. I’ve been longlisted in the 2013 Lightship Flash Fiction competition and shortlisted for: The Asham Award 2012, Short Fiction Journal Prize 2013 and the inaugural 2014 Room To Write competition. In my Literary Sofa role I was longlisted for Best Reviewer in the Saboteur Awards 2016.

I really enjoy collaborative approaches to creative writing and exchange critiques with several other writers on an ongoing basis. I’m especially pleased to be part of the WoMentoring Project where I offer support to women writers.

Later this year I will be running workshops on Perseverance and Motivation for Writers in partnership with author and psychologist Voula Grand – dates will be posted here.

I’ve been part of a stimulating and highly opinionated book group for 14 years. My own taste in novels centres on the crossover territory between literary and commercial fiction (I often think it’s hard to tell the difference). I am very drawn to American writing and I love reading in French.

Isabel Costello is available for corporate events, private shows, milestone celebrations (birthday, anniversary), fundraisers, festivals, and more.